Game app explores Siargao biodiversity

AGAME application (app) called “Siargao Flora & Fauna Puzzle” was developed by the Department of Science and TechnologyNational Research Council of the Philippines (DoST-NRCP) to inspire learners to learn more about the rich biodiversity of Siargao Island.

The app is an offline game similar to “Candy Crush,” one of the most played mobile games, but introduces new animal species on specific levels instead.

Through the “Siargao Journal” feature, each level offers a visual means of learning about the habitat and behavior of Siargao’s natural treasures, such as the Mindanao Flying Tree, Paka Gadikit and Platymantis Pak.

Surigao del Norte 1st District Rep. Francisco Jose Matugas 2nd said the game app was a fun, safe and educational tool for learning about the island’s natural species.

“Let us explore Siargao Island through this game app, especially for our children, and learn more about the types of plants and animals that continue to thrive in Siargao’s rich biodiversity,” Matugas said, endorsing the NRCP game app to parents and children.

The project was funded by the DoST-NCRP and involved environmental researchers led by Dr. Cecilia Banag-Moran, who conducted research, assessment, inventory and a biological field survey of the mangrove forest in Del Carmen, Siargao Island.

The success of the Siargao Flora & Fauna Puzzle underscores the positive impact of DoST-NRCP’s initiatives in promoting basic research nationwide. Local leaders and members of the Lower House are increasingly recognizing the value of evidence-based research studies in shaping policies and crafting legislation.

At the 2024 DoST budget deliberation, Sen. Francis Tolentino emphasized that the wealth of scientific research and data from DoST needs to be actively applied by other government agencies to improve their respective services.

Looking ahead, the researchers, scientists, engineers, policymakers, scholars, academicians, entrepreneurs, technology enthusiasts, and government officials will gather at the 2024 Annual Scientific Conference and the 91st NRCP General Assembly scheduled on Mar. 12, 2024, at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC).

Visit https://nrcp.dost.gov.ph/ or https://web.facebook.com/nationalresearchcouncil/?_rdc=1&_rdr for more information.

CONTRIBUTED IMAGES An offline smartphone game called ‘Siargao Flora and Fauna Puzzle’ was created with a grant from the National Research Council of the Philippines.

n The game-app can be accessed through Google Play at https://play. google.com/store/apps/details?id=ph.gov.dost.nrcp.sffpuzzlegame.